Anticlimactic
So after all that, we didn’t actually do the RFA procedure today. I know! I can hardly believe it, myself.
After looking at my diagnostic results, my doc said that my insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure. Of course, they haven’t rejected it, so we have to work with them on the whole thing. Get a rejection, appeal, get their approval, whatever.
So, long story short – no RFA today. Hopefully RFA in the future. Even though the insurance company won’t cover it, my Dr. believes that it could have some real therapeutic benefit. Would it get rid of my headache? No, probably not. But it could cut a lot of pain out. So we proceed forward in trying to get coverage.
Meanwhile, we reviewed previous medications (from my stint a couple years ago @ the pain clinic), and are going to try out a few things that may or may not help. So for now, we try another long-acting opiate drug, to see how that pans out.
I’ll let you know when I hear more about the procedure. Thanks for your support!
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (6)All systems go…
Well tomorrow is the day for my RFA. Spencer’s coming with me, and is looking forward to watching them poke me with needles. I’m hopeful and yet trying not to expect too much.
Please keep me in your thoughts tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. I’ll blog about how the procedure went as soon as I’m able.
Here’s a video that makes me smile. I’m a pianist, and love music, so it may make me happier than most. But here is a fun video about music and taking the stairs…
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)2nd diagnostic today
Well today I’m going to make a more timely update.
Today was my second diagnostic at the pain clinic. This is a diagnostic for the possible radio-frequency nerve ablation. Today we did the same procedure as last week *except* they used long-acting anesthesia instead of short-acting anesthesia. Today it went better than last time, I think because I knew how difficult it would be. Last week I wasn’t expecting it to be so painful. I’ve had some sustained pain relief today – not all the pain, and (again) not as much relief as I expected.
Maybe the theme here is that my expectations are too high?
I’ll call the doctor later this week and tell him the results of the procedure. From there he will help me to decide if that amount (and duration) of pain relief is good or not. That is, if the results would indicate success for the RFA or not. I’ll update when I have that information and have made a final decision.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (6)
